The subjects for this study were individuals
who consented to a dental examination
as part of a 2-phase research project
on brushing, flossing, and obtaining
dental checkups. Phase-I involved hourlong
face-to-face interviews on a probability
sample of adults 18 years of age
or older, having at least i tooth, and living
in housing units in the Detroit tricounty
area. The response rate for the interviews
was 72%; 662 interviews were
conducted. The details of phase-I are reported
elsewhere (Ronis et al. 1992). At
the time of the interview, subjects were
solicited to participate in phase-11 that
consisted of a 40-min in-home dental
examination, observation of personal
oral hygiene activities, and a 2nd brief
interview. The response rate for phase-II
was 60% (A'=397) of those who participated
in phase-I. A variety of health conditions
prevented completion of examinations
on some subjects; 319 subjects
completed all portions of the in-home
examination visit. Informed consent was
obtained from all participants.